A standoff in Dixon, Illinois, turned violent on June 12 when a man with suicidal and homicidal thoughts opened fire on law enforcement, injuring three officers. Jonathon Gounaris, 32, was involved in a dramatic incident that led to serious charges, including four counts of attempted first-degree murder, following his mother’s plea for help due to his aggressive behavior.
Sheriff Brian VanVickle shared a detailed breakdown of the event through body cam footage during a Critical Incident Briefing. The video showed the chaotic scene as officers breached the home, immediately encountering gunfire. Tactical medic Tyler Carls from the Rochelle Fire Department was hit twice in his body armor, Oregon Police Department Sgt. Tad Dominski was shot in the arm, and Ogle County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Jason Ketter was shot in the face.
The deputy’s body cam footage captured him pulling Dominski to safety and then assisting in medical treatment for Ketter. With the suspect neutralized, officers administered emergency care to Ketter, who had a severe facial wound. Carls and Dominski were treated at a local hospital and released on the same day, while Ketter was flown to St. Anthony’s Hospital in Rockford for surgery and was discharged by Friday.
Gounaris, also injured in the shootout, underwent surgery and is now facing charges, including three counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm and possession without a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card (FOID). The search of the residence uncovered ballistic armor, firearms, a knife, and pepper spray.
Before the incident escalated, deputies learned that Gounaris’s FOID had been revoked due to his status as a “present danger.” The Ogle County Emergency Response Team was called to the scene and arrived around 10:20 a.m. After numerous attempts to contact Gounaris failed, entry was made just before noon.
Sheriff VanVickle has requested the Illinois State Police take over the investigation to ensure a thorough review of the incident.
